After a slow start, Linus Ullmark has turned it up as of late

The beginning of the 2021-2022 campaign did not go as planned for Linus Ullmark.

The former sixth-round pick signed a four-year, $20 million deal with Boston in the offseason but got off to a slow start.

However, he has stepped up his game over the last two weeks, as rumors of a Tuukka Rask return have increased. As the Bruins look to rise in the standings, they will need Ullmark to continue his recent play.

In his last four starts, Ullmark has not allowed more than two goals in a game. In that span, he has faced 128 shots and allowed eight goals. After posting a .821 save percentage against Edmonton on November 11th, the 28-year-old has looked like a different goalie.

Ullmark has looked like a starting goalie the last four games

On Thursday night, he had arguably his best performance in a Bruins sweater. With the Bruins playing for a second consecutive day, he stopped 41 of the 43 shots he faced, including 15 in the third period.

With the Bruins in need of a win following a disappointing loss to Vancouver, the Swedish native stepped up. In his first start in nearly two weeks, Ullmark continued to trend in the right direction.

Dating back to November 11th, Ullmark has a .938 save percentage. His improved play has come as the Bruins have climbed into the top 10 in team save percentage after ranking in the bottom 10 during the season’s first month. The Bruins also rank sixth in goals allowed per game.

While Rask’s possible return has dominated headlines, it has seemingly sparked the Bruins goaltenders. After drawing plenty of criticism early on, Ullmark has started to meet expectations.  As the Bruins have faced teams with more points than them, such as the Oilers and Red Wings, Ullmark has given Boston a chance to win. His recent play has also earned the praise of his coaches.

Following the Bruins latest win, assistant coach Joe Sacco has this to say to the media.

“We knew that coming into the game, (the Oilers) were here, they were waiting for us. We played last night, so we knew our goaltender was going to have to be sharp, and he was. Good for him, because certainly we needed that from him at certain times tonight. … Overall, he played a fantastic game today.”

Regardless of what the future holds, Ullmark has shown of late why the Bruins signed him to a four-year deal. So far this season, the 2012 draftee has posted a goals against average of 2.63, which is the third-lowest total in his career.

While the Bruins offense is still searching for consistency, their veteran goaltender is starting to meet expectations.